Kharge Slams Modi Govt Over Fuel Prices, Says Common People’s Savings Are Burning

NEW DELHI, May 25: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi led government over the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices, accusing the Centre of placing an unfair financial burden on ordinary citizens through repeated fuel rate revisions.

The criticism came after petrol and diesel prices were increased once again on Monday, marking the fourth hike within a span of 10 days. State-owned oil marketing companies raised petrol prices by up to Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel rates by Rs 2.71 per litre amid rising global crude oil prices and increasing import costs.

In a strongly worded post on X, Kharge described the continuous rise in fuel rates as a “daily assault” on the public and alleged that the government was eroding the savings of middle-class and lower-income families.

“The daily assault of fuel loot is not over yet. This is the fourth increase in just 10 days,” the Congress chief said, claiming that petrol prices had risen by Rs 7.35 per litre and diesel by Rs 7.53 per litre during the recent revision cycle.

Kharge further argued that international crude oil trends did not justify the sharp increase in domestic fuel prices. Drawing a comparison between the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) tenure and the present government, he claimed that crude oil prices had risen significantly between 2004 and 2014, yet fuel rates had remained comparatively controlled.

According to Kharge, petrol prices have climbed from Rs 71.41 per litre in 2014 to Rs 102.12 in 2026, while diesel prices have increased from Rs 56.71 to Rs 95.20 per litre during the same period.

He also alleged that the Centre had generated massive revenue through fuel taxation over the past 12 years and questioned who was benefiting from repeated hikes in retail fuel prices.

The Congress president additionally linked the increase in fuel prices to gains recorded by public sector oil companies in the stock market. Shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation witnessed gains after the latest revision in pump prices.

Kharge alleged that the repeated hikes would have a cascading impact across sectors of the economy, increasing transportation costs and adding pressure on household expenses, agriculture operations and small businesses.

“From farmers to MSMEs, every section of society bears the impact of rising fuel costs,” he said, reiterating the Opposition’s charge that the Centre was prioritising profits over public welfare.

With Monday’s revision, petrol prices in Delhi climbed to Rs 102.12 per litre, while diesel rates touched Rs 95.20. In Mumbai, petrol crossed Rs 111 per litre and diesel neared Rs 98 per litre. Prices also rose sharply in Kolkata and Chennai, with local taxes continuing to influence state-wise variations.

The latest increase follows earlier hikes announced on May 15, May 19 and May 23 after a long freeze in retail fuel prices. Industry officials attributed the revisions to elevated global crude prices, tighter refining margins and the weakening rupee.

Global oil markets have remained volatile in recent months following tensions in West Asia, including disruptions in shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz after military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

While the government has maintained that previous price freezes were aimed at shielding consumers from inflation, opposition parties have accused the Centre of delaying fuel revisions until the conclusion of key state elections.

State-run fuel retailers, which dominate nearly 90 per cent of India’s fuel market, continue to review prices in line with international energy trends and import costs.